New Medicine Service

New Medicine Service is a free NHS service offered through your pharmacy which helps you understand your condition and get the most out of your new medicine.

The service is for people who have received a prescription for a new medicine to treat any of the following conditions.

Asthma

Respiratory conditions

Type 2 diabetes

High blood pressure

Anticoagulant therapy

The NHS New Medicine Service will help make sure your medicines are right for you and will:

Help you to find out more about the new medicine you are taking.

Help sort out any problems you are having with your new medicine.

Help improve the effectiveness of your new medicine. For example, there may be an easier or better way to take it.

Help you to make your own decisions about managing your condition.

Help you improve your health.

Give you a chance to ask questions about your medicines and discuss any concerns.

How the NHS New Medicine Service works

Your pharmacist will give you information about your new medicine. You will need to sign a consent form to allow your pharmacist to share your information with other parts of the NHS, such as your doctor and the Primary Care Trust.

You will be invited to talk with your pharmacist between one and two weeks after you receive your medicine. You will be able to choose a time that suits you. This confidential conversation will take place in a private area within the pharmacy or, if you prefer, over the telephone. Your pharmacist will ask you questions about how you are getting on with your new medicine, find out if you're having any problems and give you any information and support you need. You may have concerns or questions you want to ask about your new medicine.

Your pharmacist will arrange a follow-up discussion two to three weeks after step two. You will be able to talk about how things are going with your medicine and ask for more advice if you need it.